Bridgeton pioneer., 1887-04-14

The above cut represents the new
building of the Cumberland National
Bank, located at the Northwest cor
ner of Commerce and Laurel streets,
on the old site of the Davis House. 1t
is undoubtedly the finest bank build
ing in the State, South of Trenten,
and is credit to the city.
The edifce is located directly on the
angle of the two streets, and thus pos
sesses the double advantage of two
fronts. 1t is built of Massachusetts
red sand stone and pressed brick, with
fancy galvanized iron trimmings. The
architecture is unique as we'll as hand
some, and is from drawings furnished
by Hazelhurst & Huckel, the eminent
Philadelphia architects. The imme-
diate front which is entered from both
Laurel and Commerce streets, is of
very impressive appearance, having
heavy red sand stone columns on either
side, surmounted by pediment upon
pediment to the top of the structure.
Over the massive doorway cut in the
stone are the words-''Cumberland
Nationas, Bank,' while ia the upper
pediments appears the following
'Organized, 1916" also the figures
1885,"
The windows on both the Commerce
and Laurel street sides are large,
highly ornamented, and finished in
beautiful, variegated glass, with
arched tops and heavy side mould
ings. There are also number
of smaller windows of very
fine design. The roof is of
Cathedral character, with numerous
ornaments and fancy finishings. Taken
as whole, the effect of the building
is very fine, which with its elegant
location, gives it q commanding ap-
pearance.
The interior is lnagnificently fitted
up and finished with all the modern
banking improvements. The ceiling
is twenty-nine feet high, while the
walls are sand finished, and decorated
in beautiful colors Inside blinds of
cherry cover the windows, and the
floors are of concrete, sheathed with
the best heart pine. The counters and
railing are of mahogany and brass,
very handsome indeed. At various
points along the business counter are
aperatures through which the receiving
and paying tellers will transact busi-
ness. There are elegant apartments
for the President, the Cashier, and
meeting room for the Board of Direct
ors private rooms are also near at
hand for parties who wish to do busi-
ness without the general public seeing
what they are at, and in which there
is no fear of curious eyes or burglars.
The vault is q marvel of ingenuity. 1t
has no superior anywhere in this coun-
try. 1t weighs seventy tons, and is
tains divisions for books and papers,
monies, either in paper or coin, also has
places under lock and key which are
to be rented to private parties who
desire safe receptacles in which to keep
their valuables. The vault and safe
are from the celebrated makers,
the Hall Safe and Lock Com
pany, of Cincinnati. The building
is complete in every part, and is
work of which the contractors and
builders, Messrs Smith & Conover,
have reason to feel proud. The insti-
tuition will be ready for business about
the first of May, when the doors will
be thrown open, and the public al
lowed to inspect it.
In connection with what has been
said concerning this splendid edifice,
it may be well to refer to the wonder
full growth, and remarkable financial
progress of the substantial corporation
which is soon to occupy it. The Cum
berland Bank has been a success from
the day of its institution, and presents
an unsullied business record, far sur
passing the day dreams of it's founders.